Sheriff Bill Elder eyes partnerships for dispatch, evidence storage

El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder, elected to his second term on Nov. 6, has big ideas for the coming four years.

In a memo to all personnel obtained by the Independent through a records request, Elder wants to reach out to regional partners to form a regional dispatch center and regional evidence storage, as we reported in this week's issue.

Colorado Springs Police Department spokesperson Lt. Howard Black tells the Indy via email, "There is no direction of establishing a regional evidence center." He also says the city's evidence storage is not full.

As for sharing dispatch, Black says there's "only been conversation. No plan in place."

So it looks like the sheriff has his work cut out for him.

But that's not all. The memo also outlines additional projects to include a video visitation upgrade at the Criminal Justice Center, as well as options for using the sprung structure previously housing the detox unit next to the jail, and enhanced front desk security, cameras and door locks, among other things.